.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
News From Rwanda
Rwanda working to curb population explosion
By Helen Vesperini  |  |  |
Rwanda is the most densely populated country in mainland sub-Saharan Africa.
“I had my son in February. I don’t want another baby until he is five. Health workers told me about family planning,” said Placide Dusabe, 24, visiting a health centre for contraception.
Here in Rwanda, where couples getting married are traditionally wished “God (happiness), milk (material well-being) and children” the massive taking up of family planning is relatively recent.
Now that child mortality is on the decline, health workers at the centre in Musha say that most Rwandans accept that their children will be healthier and better educated if they have fewer of them.
“Twenty years ago, people had 10, eight, maybe even 15 children. Now the average here in Musha is five,” said Vestine Mukamunana, the nurse in charge of family planning at the health centre.
The government’s aim is to get that down to three.
Rwanda is already the most densely populated country in mainland sub-Saharan Africa. The population has risen fourfold over the past fifty years from an estimated 2.6 million in 1960 to more than 10 million.
“We would like all Rwandan couples to produce not more than three children,” said Agnes Binagwaho, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health.
“We have very good signs that there is a decrease. We have multiplied by three our uptake of family planning” over the past four years, she said, noting that the country used to have a fertility rate of 5.3 percent.
“Rwanda’s demographic growth is terrifying,” said Francois Byabarumwanzi, deputy vice president of the Liberal Party (PL), a partner in the ruling coalition.
“When we build schools or health centres or hospitals, capacity is very quickly outstripped,” he told AFP in a recent interview.
In the years that followed the 1994 genocide, birth control was a taboo subject in Rwanda. It is only some four years ago since the government made a serious attempt to tackle galloping population growth.
Some specialists say that at this juncture measures more draconian than simply asking families to confine themselves to three children are required.
And the structure of the population pyramid, with its massive youth bulge -- 44 percent of the population is currently 14 or under -- means that the latest reforms will not impact on statistics straight away.
“Because of the inertia of demographic phenomena and whatever the scenario followed, the problem remains,” said Christian Thibon, a professor at Pau University in France specialised in Rwanda.
“Any change from new behaviour trends -- if these are amplified ... will only be felt in the medium term,” he said.
“If the current annual population growth rate of 2.6 percent persists, the country’s population is projected to reach 14.6 million by 2025,” the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), a Washington, DC-based non-profit group, said in a report last year.
The most popular birth control methods here are sub-cutaneous implants and injections. Unlike the pill they cannot be forgotten, health workers say, and they are invisible to husbands who might be reticent about contraception.
Joyeuse Uwingeneye, a bank worker in heels, straight skirt and formal jacket, is attending Nyamata health centre with her daughter of 3 months, Keila. She also has a son of seven.
“I only want two children,” she said. “My colleagues feel the same way. They are educated and they know that educating a child is expensive, so we prefer to have fewer children and educate them properly.”
She said her parents-in-law put no pressure on her to have more children.
“And even if they did I wouldn’t give into it. After all, I’m the one who’s bringing up my children.”
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14417&article=34683http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14417&article=34683
Friday, September 17, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Soon, soon enough!
Just as soon as that arrived, we learned that our dear brother in Christ, Geoffrey Kayigi, was coming to the States for training in Washington, D.C. So, the day after we moved, I drove down to the Rwandan Embassy, picked up our dossier, photocopied every page twice, and went to meet Geoffrey. We hadn't seen one another since 2007, and I just cried for joy when I saw him. We grabbed some dinner, caught up on all things family, job, church and nation-related, and then I handed him our dossier. He took it home immediately and passed it off to Rafiki Johnson, our long-time driver, friend of our ministry there and son. He immediately took a copy to our attorney and the originals to MIGEPROF, the Ministry of Gender and Promotion of Families. He also met with our attorney, who reported back that we have a very fine set of documents to work with. This was all very spontaneous and unplanned on our parts! We had no idea Geoffrey would be in the U.S. until the week before he arrived. All of the paperwork was finished being processed at coincidentally the same time!
So, now, our hearts wait to hear what to do next. Do we fly to Rwanda and bring someone home that we pick out....? OR, do we wait for the Ministry Office to identify a child(ren) for us?
We are really in need of LOTS of finances to bring this all about, so please pray for us to see those doors of provision fly open at just the right time. We have NO DOUBT that God will do this for us, because He has been so incredibly faithful to us FOREVER already.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fingerprinting Done!!
However, after going to the wrong location, we quickly made our way to the correct site and were warmly greeted by the Homeland Security staff who were WAITING for us! They could not have been any more pleasant or encouraging!!
Now...all we do is wait for the coveted 171-H....which I will do from NIGERIA!
I am there for 2 weeks!
Love,
Lisa
On the Road to Better Understanding Across Cultures~
African Friends and Money Matters by SIL Publications
http://www.toddhiestand.com/african-friends-and-money-matters-1-5/05/
Sunday, May 30, 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/28/rwanada-kagame-defends-rights-record
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Headlines in Rwanda Today
Maternal death audit system key to curbing mortality
By Irene V. Nambi| | | |
Health Minister Dr. Richard Sezibera taking part in the Immunisation exercise in Bugesera District recently.(File photo)
RWAMAGANA - Barely six months since the government introduced the maternal death audit system, the method has already identified the major causes of maternal mortality in Rwamagana District.
This was revealed yesterday by the Medical Chief of Staff at Rwamagana hospital, Dr. Avite Mutaganzwa.
According to Mutaganzwa, the system was established to control deaths and find solutions to the reasons why women die due to pregnancy-related causes.
“Last year, health workers were trained how to carry out maternal audits and it started in January this year. Since its inception, we have identified the major causes of these deaths as uterus ruptures, bleeding after delivery, and infections that occur after delivery,” Mutaganzwa explained.
The official highlighted that in the past, these deaths were simply documented but not much was done to ensure that other women do not die of the same causes.
“It is a different story today, because we not only find out why they die, but we also find solutions to these causes and ensure that maternal mortality is prevented right at the community level,” he added.
“Between January and April 2010, we handled eight cases of ruptured uterus, three of bleeding after delivery and 32 post-delivery infections. This is an improvement compared to the figures of previous years, like in 2008 where 163 cases of bleeding were received.”
He however highlighted that despite many efforts, two mothers have died this year adding that both had uterus raptures.
Having identified the causes, officials have embarked on a massive sensitization drive using community health workers to urge the population to use family planning methods and deliver at health facilities.
“Last year, 42.5 % mothers delivered at health facilities, but for the last four months alone, the percentage has grown to 61 percent. We believe that by year end, it will be much higher.”
Jeannette Mukamparirwa, a resident of Rwamagana, delivered her baby girl two weeks ago after a complicated nine months.
Mukamparirwa had a placenta previa problem (a situation where the uterus is lying unusually low in the uterus, next to or covering the cervix) and bled almost throughout the whole pregnancy period.
“My baby would not have been alive if it were not for the special care I was given. I was in terrible condition but the special attention from medics got me through the pregnancy,” she explained as she smiled.
An optimistic Mutaganzwa added that with interventions like performance-based financing, efforts of community health workers and maternal death audits, mortality of mothers will soon be history.
The system is supported by UNFPA, the Global Fund, Lux Development and EGPAF among others.
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14266&article=29343
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I Just Found This and Copied It, I had To!
Harrisburg Paperwork!
"Do you know if the country you are adopting from allows you to bundle documents?"
Somewhere inside, I thought the answer was, "Yes!" but I hesitated.
I doubted myself.
She then looked over our background checks and saw that they were not notarized.
How did I skip that step??
"There is a notary right around the corner, you can head over there while we start authenticating the other documents."
I looked at my file folder and saw that I had background clearance forms for our two daughters over age 14, but I hadn't included them in the pile for authentication. Had I purposely left them out or had I overlooked them?
I decided to think about it while I ran around the block to get the clearance papers notarized.
Then the Lord gave me a brilliant idea!
"Call the Embassy!"
Within minutes, I heard a familiar Rwandan accent answering the phone.
I explained that I was doing my adoption paperwork and didn't want to make any mistakes.
He was so soft spoken, gentle and kind.
"Sure, go ahead and bundle the papers, that is fine, " he told me.
"Do I need clearances for my teenage daughters?" I asked.
"No, if they are underage and you are responsible for them, not if they are under 18, you do not need those papers."
I thanked him and breathed a quick sigh of relief. Crisis averted.
The notary charged me half price because this was an adoption. Unmerited favor!
But then I realized I needed to let the authentication expert know that I could bundle documents or I would be charged an arm and a leg. I quickly called the office and the person on the other end would not take a message to anyone, "Just explain it all when you get back."
I ran back around the block and up to the second floor. I explained my situation to the secretary at the desk, telling her that I had called the Embassy.
"Oh, perfect," she replied, "Because we decided not to do anything with your documents until you got back. Now we know just what to do!"
The whole process took 1 hour and 15 minutes and cost $135 for the docs to be authenticated and $10 for the notary services.
Tomorrow, it's off to Dover, DE to authenticate marriage license, birth certificates and our home study!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
What's A Mobile Notary Anyway?
1) Find a notary who travels and will meet you at the desired office.
2)Contact your physician's office and see when would be a good time to have the doc sign your medical papers.
3)Call the notary back and schedule an appt for all of you to meet.
4) Show up with paperwork and check in hand for notary service. Ours was $25 for both forms to be verified.
Good Luck!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Woman Arrested for Dumping Baby in Latrine
| | | |
CULPRIT; Nadia Iradukunda (Photo.F. Goodman)
A woman was yesterday arrested for allegedly dumping her five-month old baby boy into a pit latrine at the premises of HAGURUKA, a local NGO based in Kisementi in Remera Sector, Gasabo district.
Speaking to The New Times, Eria Nizeyimana, HAGURUKA’s Director of Programs, who was at the office before the woman dumped her kid, said that Nadia Iradukunda desperately wanted to get rid of the baby.
“I reached the office early in the morning and found Iradukunda seated in front of our office holding her baby, and I asked her why she was at our office that early and she told me that she had problems,” Nizeyimana said.
“I went straight to my office, and about three minutes later, she came to my office and said ‘I have now solved my problems’.”
Nizeyimana said that he immediately became suspicious.
‘I asked her, where is your baby?, and she told me that she had dumped the baby in the pit latrine, ” he explained.
The cries of the baby could be heard from the latrine. “I called the police to intervene, and the baby was removed and rushed to Kibagabaga hospital,” Ndeziyimana said.
“The baby survived because of the timely intervention”.
According to the NGO’s Legal Advisor, Stephanie Uwimana, the woman was working as a housemaid for one, Dateus Rugamba, who allegedly impregnated and disowned her.
“Iradukunda came to us in January saying that Rugamba had refused to take care of the baby. We then summoned him to our office to explain,” Uwimana said.
“Rugamba promised to take care of the baby by giving 10,000 francs every month to the mother.”
Eric Kayiranga, the police spokesperson, told The New Times that Iradukunda will be charged with attempted murder.
Ends
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
3 Children Abandoned at Mayor's Residence
Woman abandons children at Mayors’ residence
By Daniel Sabiiti| | | |
Muhanga district Mayor, Yvonne Mutakwasuku.
MUHANGA - A resident of Shyogwe Sector on Monday, decided to abandon her three children at the residence of Muhanga District Mayor, Yvonne Mutakwasuku, in protest over the district’s reluctance to find a solution to her troubles.
Shadia Kangabi accused district officials of unlawfully confiscating her bricks worth over Rwf7million last year.
“I decided to do so because the Mayor has been the cause of my poverty. I cannot afford to look after my children and I have been given a deadline to move out of a house we rent,” Kangabi said.
She also threatened to move into the Mayor’s house with her husband and other dependants if the district keeps ignoring her plight.
Kangabi claims that Vivens Ukubaho, the district tax officer and Aimable Twahirwa, a former Shsogwe Sector leader, illegally confiscated and used bricks belonging to Urukundo Association for their own benefits, under the guise of dealing with illegal environmental activities.
The Mayor did not respond to the latest threat, but, in an earlier interview, said that Kangabi’s case involved illegal brick making and the property was lawfully confiscated, ‘The case has been handed over to the police for investigations,’ the Mayor said.
Ends
New Documentary on Rwanda!
President Paul Kagame, with Deborah Scranton, the director of the documentary film on Rwanda, “Earth Made of Glass” at its premiere during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Home Study Interview Completed Tonight!!
The interview was fun, relaxed and flew by. The girls had computer sharing issues downstairs, but never let us know....they waited until AFTER the meeting to air their disagreements. Aaaah, the joy of older children! We were so proud of them for their participation, their genuine enthusiasm and preparation for the night when we really had no way of being here to get the house in order for our guest. She was also a Christian, which made sharing our hearts and faith effortless....so very surprising and refreshing on both sides. We had no idea what to expect.
And now...we move forward on the paper chase, just like everyone else. Here we go!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
What has God put on your heart to do?http://www.streamsministries.com/index.php?page=eletter&utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=e
What has God put on your heart to do?
By John Paul Jackson